Southampton are holding out for top money for their best players as Liverpool continue to negotiate a possible deal for Romeo Lavia, sources have told Football Insider.
New Saints boss Russell Martin has admitted players will leave the club this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
And a well-placed source has told Football Insider that midfield duo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse are “fully expected” to return to the Premier League with a move away from St Mary’s Stadium.
However, it is believed Liverpool are only currently willing to offer around £40million for Lavia as negotiations continue – while Southampton are believed to be holding out for a figure closer to £50million.
A host of other Premier League giants, including Chelsea and Arsenal, have also been linked with the 19-year-old.
Southampton are keen to maximise the Belgium international’s value as Man City will be entitled to 20% of any fee received for his services.
That clause was negotiated as part of the reported £10.5million deal which brought Lavia to Southampton last summer (2022).
He impressed for the Saints despite their 20th-place finish and subsequent relegation, racking up 35 appearances across all competitions in his first senior campaign.
The midfield sensation notched one goal and one assist and also earned his first senior Belgium cap earlier this year.
Lavia’s contract at St Mary’s expires in June 2027 but it is believed Southampton are open to letting him move on if they receive the right fee.
Liverpool have already completed big-money moves for Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister this summer.
Lavia, 19, has returned to training at Southampton ahead of their first pre-season friendly against Benfica next week (12 July).
In other news, three clubs make moves to sign Liverpool 20-year-old.
